A number of residents have been asking me about the FY 2027 Budget and I’ve had to mention I didn’t have a copy as yet – But I’m happy to report it was published yesterday and is now available as part of the Agenda Packet for next Monday’s Special Work Session!

I and other Councilmembers have started to pour through the document (our copy includes around 250 pages+), but wanted to provide some quick first highlights for you, with more to come in the weeks ahead. (Note: You can also watch my recent Council Connections interview for a simple breakdown of the City budget components so you’ll have a big picture framework.)

  • The Operating budget is $50 million and there is no increase in property tax rates.

  • A big ticket item: Revenues include $1.1 million in one-time interest income the City earned on federal dollars from COVID funds, and the Mayor has proposed directing $1 million of it to a one-time rent subsidy program with the remaining $100k towards Laurel non-profit support.

  • There’s also around $600k in significant IT upgrades to support City functions.

  • The Police budget reflects the terms of newly executed union contract, signed at the April 27 Mayor & City Council Meeting

  • Many residents have reached out about the funding line for The Laurel Independent paper – You’ll find that on page 35 of the agenda packet referenced by line code “10-5-270-52061” at $30k.

The City Council will be discussing the budget during Work Sessions next Monday and Wednesday, and please reach out to me if you have any questions or comments as I’d like to incorporate into the City’s conversation.